Poughkeepsie Club’s Liquor License Suspended After Fatal Shooting

A club in Poughkeepsie had their liquor license suspended after reports of a fatal shooting, narcotic sales, and illegal alcohol sales.

The Exempt Firemen's Association in Poughkeepsie had their liquor license emergency 'suspended by the New York State Liquor Authority (SLA). According to a press release from the SLA, they were cited for narcotic sales, illegal alcohol sales, gambling, and violence.

In January 2018, police responded to a shooting outside the Exempt Firemen's Association on Mansion Street in Poughkeepsie. Police located a victim lying on a nearby sidewalk with multiple gunshot wounds. According to the press release, police had to deal with 50 intoxicated and uncooperative patrons from the club.

On multiple occasions, the Dutchess County Drug Task Force sent in a confidential informant. The informant participated in multiple illegal dice games, purchased bottles of alcohol for consumption off premises, and a variety of drugs including marijuana, hydrocodone pills, and crack cocaine.

The SLA charged the Exempt Firemen's Association with 13 violations on Thursday, July 12, 2018, according to the press release. The charges include operating a disorderly premises by allowing the possession, use, and trafficking of a controlled substance, illicit gambling, sales to non-members, illegal alcohol sales, and for becoming a focal point for police attention.

The Exempt Firemen's Association has a club license, meaning they are a non-profit organization and alcohol can only be served to members and their guests. They've had a liquor license since 1933 and were the first organization in Dutchess County to get the club license.